Hey, Nooga. Intern Brianna here. The first time I donated blood a year ago, I was terrified. I’m not a fan of being around blood. But, it turns out that donating isn’t scary at all (and it’s nice knowing that you helped somebody else).
There is a need for blood donations nationwide as COVID-19 forces the cancellation of blood drives and social distancing slows the process.
Locally, Blood Assurance Chattanooga leaders recently said that they were in “critical need” of donors due to a low donor turnout + a recent trauma in the service area. The local organization is also seeking plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients. Read more about that here .
Here’s what you need to know about donating blood now. 👇
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeoLCoiSwkg&feature=emb_logo
Is it safe to donate blood during a pandemic?
Yes, but don’t go if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19. According to the FDA, there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 due to blood donation or transfusion. Don’t forget to wear your mask.
Where can I donate?
Blood Assurance
Blood Assurance has two donor centers in Chattanooga that are often open for donations
○ Chattanooga Main Office | 705 East 4th Street
○ Gunbarrel Road Location | 1748 Gunbarrel Road, Suite 104
It also has mobile drives happening throughout the month in locations across Chattanooga, which you can find here .
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross’s Chattanooga location:
○ Southeast Tennessee American Red Cross Blood Drive | 4115 S. Access Road
Am I eligible?
You must be at least 17 years old + weigh more than 110 pounds to donate. If you are 16 (and over 110 pounds) you can donate with one-time parental consent.
You also must be in good health to donate blood. Click here for a list of medical conditions + medications that can prevent you from donating.
What happens during the donation process?
After making an appointment via the donation site’s website (or by phone at 1-800-962-0628), you can show up to the center where you made an appointment at your appointment time.
When you get there, you’ll be signed in and asked to show a valid I.D. (a driver’s license works). After reading information about donating blood, answering questions about your health history, and checking your temperature, pulse, blood pressure + hemoglobin levels, you will be ready to start.
The donation itself takes roughly 8-10 minutes, and you’ll be given snacks and drinks afterward. 🙌
ProTip: Blood Assurance is also testing for COVID-19 antibodies
. Tell someone at the time of your appointment if you’d like to do this.